The Thai side of the An Ses border checkpoint in Preah Vihear province remained closed Thursday after Thailand deployed more soldiers to the border in response to Cambodia’s development of what Thailand says is disputed territory.
Chea Kimseng, the governor of Choam Ksan district, where the Cambodian side of the checkpoint is located, said Wednesday that 200 Thai troops arrived at the border on Sunday, after Cambodian construction crews ignored demands from Thai Rangers that they stop work leveling a road.
Mr. Kimseng said Thursday that he visited the border to speak with Thai soldiers stationed there.
“The Thai soldiers said they have not yet been ordered to open the border,” he said. District military police commander Chour Bunsong said he also went to the border Thursday and that no Cambodian soldiers had reinforced the area.
“Our soldiers and border police are staying at their posts and sitting around without holding weapons,” Mr. Bunsong said.
“We…saw Thai soldiers wearing bulletproof jackets, military caps and holding modern weapons,” he said. “They look ready to fight.” Deputy Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvari did not respond to requests for comment.
